Child Protection at Bradworthy C P School.
The member of staff with responsibility for child protection from May 2008 is:
R Stephenson (Headteacher)
The school Senco will fulfil the role of deputy in this area.
All children are likely to sustain injuries as a result of genuine accidents. These are usually part of normal development. Consider, does the injury seem to fit a possible accident , are injuries frequent and do they seem to follow any pattern .
It is a teachers professional responsibility to be alert to the threat of child abuse .
If any member of staff has any concerns about children in their care, or elsewhere in school, or if any child makes any sort of disclosure to them the member of staff is required to report the matter, in confidence, to the member of staff who has responsibility for child protection so that appropriate action may be taken.
All members of staff will take part in regular training as required by current legislation and guidance.
A record of participation will be kept in the school office.
The following policy statement is a short summary and particular note should be made of the documents listed which serve to offer full and specific advice in relation to the range of different issues.
Child abuse can be defined as -
“ harm done to children by a parent , a sibling or other carer , an acquaintance or a stranger . The harm may be the result of a direct act or by failure to act to provide proper care , or both .”
There are four main types of child abuse -
Neglect: Persistent or severe neglect of a child, or the failure to protect a child from danger , resulting in the significant impairment of a child’s health or development .
Children who are being neglected usually show signs that they are unhappy, they may be withdrawn or aggressive, or they may have lingering health problems or difficulties at school.
Physical Injury: Actual or likely physical injury to a child or failure to prevent physical injury or suffering.
Physical injury includes hitting, shaking, burning, poisoning, suffocation and biting as well as using excessive force. It may result in bruising, burns, fractures, internal injuries, brain damage and even death.
Sexual Abuse: Actual or likely exploitation of a child or adolescent.
This can involve sexual intercourse, fondling, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse or exposing children to pornographic videos, books and other materials.
Emotional Abuse: Actual or likely severe adverse effect on the emotional and behavioural development of a child caused by persistent or severe emotional ill-treatment or rejection.
This may be threats, taunting or belittling a child, causing him or her to loose self-esteem. It may be failure to show love and affection or rejection. This sort of abuse can have serious effects on a child’s personality making it hard for them to form relationships.
A more detailed discussion of signs and symptoms of child abuse can be found in the “Devon Multi-Disciplinary Child Protection Handbook, Section III (b) Signs and Symptoms” which is available in school.
Good Practice -
School policy has been formed, and is in line with, the model of good practice laid out in “Working Together to Safeguard Children” which is available from the school web site and in school.
Members of staff are expected to make themselves aware of the contents of this document.
The designated teachers responsibilities are explained in “Child Protection in North Devon , June 1994,” a copy of which is available from school.
Further reference can be made to “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused” which was published in 2003 and which is available in school, or by downloading it from .
Records concerning children will be kept confidentially in the school office but should be available to the teacher with responsibility for the child at any given time.
The above and the following policy will be reviewed on abeannual basis.
Date of Last Review:29th April 2008
Child Protection Policy
Bradworthy CommunityPrimary School
1.0Introduction
1.1This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004; the Education Act 2002, and in line with government publications: “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2006, “Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families” 2000, “What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused” 2003. The guidance reflects“Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” DfES Jan 2007, and Surrey Safeguarding Children Board SSCB (formerly the Surrey Area Child Protection Committee), Child Protection Procedures.
1.2The Governing body takes seriously its responsibility under section 175[1] of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.
1.3We recognise that all adults, including temporary staff[1], volunteers and governors, have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.
1.4All staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
1.5The aims of this policy are:
1.5.1To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.
1.5.2To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident, and know how to, approach adults if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to.
1.5.3To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.
1.5.4To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the school, contribute to assessments of need and support packages for those children.
1.5.5To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff.
1.5.6To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse.
1.5.7To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and Social Care.
1.5.8To ensure that all staff working within our school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications, and a satisfactory List 99 or EnhancedCRB check (according to guidance)[2], and a single central record is kept for audit.
2.0SafeSchool, Safe Staff
2.1 We will ensure that:
2.1.1All members of the governing body understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
2.1.2We have a designated senior member of staff, our Child Protection Officer, and a deputy, both of whom have undertaken the Two Day Child Protection Foundation Training delivered through Devon County Council and who undertake to update their training at least every 2 years.
2.1.3All members of staff are provided with child protection awareness at induction, including in their arrival pack, the school safeguarding statement “Safeguarding Children at BradworthySchool” [3]so that they know who to discuss a concern with.
2.1.4The Headteacher, where he/she is not the CPLO, and all other staff and governors, have child protection awareness training[4], updated by the CPO every 3 years, to maintain their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse.
2.1.5All members of staff, volunteers, and governors know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse through delivery of the awareness raising pack “What to do if you are worried a child is being abused”.
2.1.6All parents/carers are made aware of the responsibilities of staff members with regard to child protection procedures through publication of the schools’ Child Protection Policy, and reference to it in our introductory school pack.
2.1.7Our lettings policy will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working with children on school sites at any time.
2.1.8Community users organising activities for children are aware of the school’s child protection guidelines and procedures.
2.1.9We will ensure that child protection type concerns or allegations against adults working in school are referred to the LADO[5] for advice, and that any member of staff found not suitable to work with children will be notified to the Independent Safeguarding Authority[6] for consideration for barring, following resignation, dismissal, or when we cease to use their service in the case of a volunteer
2.2Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated.
2.3 The name of the Designated member of staff for Child Protection, the Child Protection Officer, or CPO will be clearly advertised in the school, with a statement explaining the school’s role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected abuse.
2.4All new members of staff will be given a copy of our safeguarding statement, and child protection policy, with the CPO’s name clearly displayed, as part of their induction into the school.
3.0 Responsibilities
3.1The designated teacher is Richard Stephenson who is responsible for:
(The deputy designated teacher is Becki Daniel (Senco))
3.1.1Referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse, to the Contact Centre Children’s Team[7], and acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns. Referrals should be made in writing, following a telephone call[8]
3.1.2Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
3.1.3Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely, separate from pupil records, until the child’s 25th birthday, and are copied on to the child’s next school or college.
3.1.4Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the pupil records.
3.1.5Liaising with other agencies and professionals.
3.1.6Ensuring that either they or the class teacherattends case conferences, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributes to assessments, and provides a report which has been shared with the parents.
3.1.7Ensuring that any pupil currently with a child protection plan who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to their key worker’s Social Care Team.
3.1.8Organising child protection induction, and update training every 3 years, for all school staff.
3.1.9Providing, with the Headteacher, an annual report for the governing body, detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by the CPO, and by all staff and governors; number and type of incidents/cases, and number of children with child protection plans (anonymised)[3]
4.0 Supporting Children
4.1 We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence
may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame themselves, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self worth.
4.2.We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.
4.3.We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn.
4.4.Our school will support all pupils by:
4.4.1Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness, through the curriculum as well as our relationships, whilst not condoning aggression or bullying.
4.4.2Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school.
4.4.3Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
4.4.4Notifying Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern.
4.4.5Providing continuing support to a pupil about whom there have been concerns who leaves the school by ensuring that appropriate information is copied under confidential cover to the pupil’s new school or FE College and ensuring the school medical records are forwarded as a matter of priority.
5.0 Confidentiality
5.1We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.
5.2The Headteacher or CPLO will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.[9]
5.3All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.
5.4All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing.
5.5We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents /carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with an Assistant Team Manager at the Contact Centre Children’s Team[3] on this point.
6.0 Supporting Staff
6.1We recognise that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
6.2We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the CPLO and to seek further support as appropriate.
7.0 Allegations against staff
7.1All school staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults.
7.2All Staff should be aware of Surrey’s Guidance on Behaviour Issues, and the school’s own Behaviour Management policy.
7.3Guidance about conduct and safe practice will be given at induction[10]
7.4We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a member of staff.
7.5If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the Headteacher[11].
7.6The Headteacher on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer, who is the Local Education Officer (LEO) for maintained schools[12], or the Duty LADO for IndependentSchools and all other services
7.7If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the
Headteacher, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of Governors who will consult as in 7.5 above, without notifying the Headteacher first.
7.8The school will follow the Surrey procedures for managing allegations against staff[3]. Under no circumstances will we send a child home, pending such an investigation, unless this advice is given exceptionally, as a result of an Allegations/Senior Strategy Meeting[13].
7.9Suspension of the member of staff, excluding the Headteacher, against whom an allegation has been made, needs careful consideration, and the Headteacher will seek the advice of the LADO and Personnel Consultant in making this decision.
7.10In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher, the decision to suspend will be made by the Chair of Governors with advice as in 7.8 above.
7.10We have a procedure for managing the suspension of a contract for a community user in the event of an allegation arising in that context.
8.0 Whistle-blowing
8.1 We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise
concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so
8.2 All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where
they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues. If it becomes necessary to consult outside the school, they should speak in the first instance, to the LEO/LADO[11,12] following the Whistleblowing Policy[3].
9.0 Physical Intervention
9.1Our policy on physical intervention by staff is set out
separately, and acknowledges that staff must only ever use
physical intervention as a last resort, when a child is endangering him/herself or others, and that at all times it
must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to
another person.
9.2Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness.
9.3Staff who are likely to need to use physical intervention will be appropriately trained in the Positive Options technique.
9.4We understand that physical intervention of a nature which
causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under
child protection or disciplinary procedures.
9.5We recognise that touch is appropriate in the context of working with children, and all staff have been given “Safe Practice” guidance to ensure they are clear about their professional boundary[10]
10.0 Bullying
10.1Our policy on bullying is set out in a separate document and
acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to
consideration under child protection procedures. This includes cyber, racist, homophobic and gender related bullying.
11.0 Racist Incidents
11.1Our policy on racist incidents is set out separately, and
acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a single serious
incident may lead to consideration under child protection
procedures.
12.0 Prevention
12.1We recognise that the school plays a significant part in the prevention ofharm to our pupils by providing pupils with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.
12.2The school community will therefore:
12.2.1Work to establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to.
12.2.2Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
12.2.3Include across the curriculum, including PSHCE, opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.
13.0Health & Safety
13.1Our Health & Safety policy, set out in a separate document, reflects the consideration we give to the protection of our children both physically within the school environment, and for example in relation to internet use, and when away from the school when undertaking school trips and visits.
[1] Section 157 in the case of an IndependentSchool
[1] Wherever the word “staff” is used, it covers ALL staff on site, including ancillary supply and self employed staff, contractors, volunteers working with children etc, and governors
[2] Guidance regarding CRB checks is currently in “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” Jan 2007
[3]
[4] Whole school awareness training half day sessions, and supplementary materials are available at the website at footnote 3. The same course can be presented by trainers from FourS personnel if preferred, at cost
[5] LADO Local Authority Designated Officer for allegations against staff.
[6] contact the LADO for guidance in any case
[7] All new referrals go to the Contact Centre Children’s Team 03456 009009 (Fax 020 8541 9204) operating 8.00am to 6.00pm. CPLOs may consult with an Assistant Team Manager by telephoning 0208 541 7041/7043.In an emergency out of hours, referrals can be made to the Emergency Duty Team on 01483 517898.